Police violence victims during the September 21 protest in Mendiola, also known as Mendiola 277, gathered at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman on October 12. Along with their families, lawyers, and human rights groups, they formed the Alyansa laban sa Korapsyon at Brutalidad ng Pulis (AKAB or Alliance Against Police Corruption and Brutality) to pursue justice.
The police arrested and illegally detained at least 277 individuals, including 91 minors, for several days. The detained individuals bore marks of torture and physical assault including bruises, fractured bones, head injuries, and trauma.
They endured additional cruelty at the hands of police during prolonged detention. Some of them were students, vendors, delivery riders, construction workers, bystanders, and persons with disabilities.
Police killed a worker on Recto Avenue, Manila. Meanwhile, a civilian stabbed a minor to death amid the chaos.
The Mendiola 277 assembly appeared to have become a reunion for the victims. Various groups and labor unions provided food and support for the event.
“It felt like one big family checking in on each other, embracing, and uniting to stand for justice and against state corruption and fascism,” Atty. Taule, Karapatan deputy secretary general and lawyer for some of those arrested, said.
Mendiola 277 expressed gratitude to all who helped and supported them in securing release from detention. Many contributed to cover the required bail for the temporary freedom of detainees who faced multiple baseless charges.
According to Karapatan, some from Mendiola 277 remain imprisoned while others are still suffering from ailments from the police beatings and abuse. Others have lost their jobs and livelihoods because of their days in detention.
The group added that the victims feel an even deeper sense of injustice since not one corrupt government official or contractor has been jailed or held accountable for plundering public funds.
“The fight is not yet over, but now we face it together and in an organized way. The struggle continues!” Taule said.
AKAB calls for continued public support through donations, financial assistance, and legal aid for the victims. The alliance said it will continue its fight for justice and accountability from abusive police and corrupt government officials.
